Warm, Smooth Sound + Super-Low Noise = One Solid Vocal Microphone!

Start tracking serious vocals in your home studio with the Rode NT1-A -- a time-tested entry-level large-diaphragm condenser mic. The anniversary-edition NT1-A continues Rode's tradition of Australian-built quality at an affordable price. Originally released in 1991, the now-legendary NT1 microphone was one of the first condenser mics to bring professional performance to an emerging home-studio market. The NT1-A edition boasts a miniscule 5 dBA of self-noise, making it truly one of the world's quietest microphones -- ideal for vocals, voiceover, and acoustic instruments. With a clearer, more articulate high end than the original NT1, and a hint of subtle warmth that's universally flattering on vocals, there's nothing "budget" about the sound of the Rode NT1-A.

True-Condenser Operation

What makes one condenser better than another? For starters, the vast majority of low-cost condensers use an electret design, where a small electrical bias, or charge, is permanently applied to the condenser element. In contrast, the Rode NT1-A is a true externally-biased condenser microphone, like the most expensive large-diaphragm studio condensers. Meanwhile, state-of-the-art surface-mount electronics and transformerless circuitry make the NT1-A one of the quietest microphones in the world, at any price range. With a self-noise rating of just 5.5 dBA, the NT1-A is perfect for picking up detailed nuances of instruments like acoustic guitar, quiet violin, or delicate vocals. And yet, a maximum SPL of 137 dB makes it a go-to mic for loud vocals or drum overheads. It's this versatility that has made the NT1-A a first-choice condenser for home project studios.

Detailed Highs, Well-Balanced Lows

While the original NT1 had a frequency range that tapered off at the top, the NT1-A boasts an open, detailed high end and well-balanced low-end warmth. This microphone is known to sound true and natural on acoustic sources -- without the high-mid harshness often found in "cheap" condensers. If you're a folk singer-songwriter that's making vocal/guitar tracks with just one or two mics, the NT1-A is a fantastic budget choice. If you're more the kind of producer that likes to crank around on EQ to deliver a specific, rich vocal timbre, the NT1-A's pleasingly neutral sound responds well to EQ. Its classic cardioid pattern is the standard for tracking vocals, and it's ideal for home-studio situations where you must set up a mic in the same room with your computer, since the NT1-A rejects ambient noise from the back and sides of the mic to focus on your intended source.

Stereo Pair: Two Mics Are Better Than One

True, the Rode NT1-A shines as a vocal mic. But with its extremely low self-noise, the NT1-A is also a proven performer on quiet, detailed instrument sources like classical ensembles, distance-miked solo strings or woodwinds, and acoustic piano. So if you're planning on recording anything else besides solo vocals with your NT1-A, you'd do well to try the natural, spacious sound provided by a stereo mic setup. Stereo pairs aren't just for acoustic music: studio engineers use matched pairs of condensers to capture a larger-than-life stereo field on rock drums, on background vocal groups, and even to fatten up acoustic guitar. Stereo mic techniques are also the standard for recording live performances when you can't individually mic each instrument. And Rode offers the NT1-A as an acoustically matched stereo pair: you'll receive a certificate of testing to ensure proper balance and equal sensitivity on each mic.

Back when Rode released the original NT1 microphone, computer-based DAWs were just starting to make home-studio recording the new standard. Since then, the NT1 and anniversary-edition NT1-A have carved out a reputation as modern classics. Whether you're hanging a matched pair over a drum kit, or just miking up your acoustic guitar, the Rode NT1-A remains the essential large-diaphragm condenser mic for budget-minded project studios.

Rode NT1-A Studio Condenser Microphone

The Rode NT1-A has become an industry standard; delivering the warmth, extended dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability usually only featured by some of the most expensive microphones.

Rode NT1-A Anniversary Package

The NT1-A Anniversary model includes a premium shock mount with integrated pop filter, high quality 6m (20") XLR cable, microphone dust cover and even a bonus instructional DVD. Presented by RODE founder and company president, Peter Freedman, the NT1-A Studio Secrets DVD features a range of tips and techniques to help NT1-A owners get the most from their microphone.

Although the Rode NT1-A is best-known as an exceptional vocal microphone, it's also an extremely capable mic for almost any recording application, including acoustic and electric instruments and percussion.

Certified Matching Pair

Matched pair has been acoustically matched for equal sensitivity from each mic. Includes 2 Rode NT1A microphones, and shock mounts.

Manufacturer Support:
I placed my NT1 in a hard shell road case a year ago along with two silica packets and stored it in a dry basement. The microphone was in working order when stored.
Recently I retrieved the microphone from storage and it would not work. I suspected my preamp; however, a multimeter quickly determined +48v were present at the end of the microphone cable.
I removed the circuit board from the microphone body to check for broken wires. The multimeter confirmed voltage was reaching the board. At this point I contacted Rode USA about getting a wiring schematic. I was surprised to discover the microphone would be repaired for free if I returned it.
Conclusion: Really nice mic, but astounding customer service. No receipt, no original packaging, no questions. I

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Buy this microphone!"

Sound:
outstanding sound. My vocals cut through the mix much better than with my previous mics, without needing to boost the gain. Subtle nuances are picked up also, which were missed with my other mics - picks up room characteristics (ambience) much more (could be a minus, but i think my other mics just sucked). I have also recorded acoustic guitar with this mic, and the results were incredible.
Feature:
includes a shock mount, and also a pop filter (although that may have been included by the retailer). I have not had any problems with them, although I do not routinely mount and unmount the mic
Ease of Use:
I sing into one end, and my voice comes out the other (sort of). I have trouble with the singing part, but I won't blame that on the mic.
Quality:
sturdy, well built, professional looking
Value:
There are some cheaper large diaphragm condensers in the $100 range, but like most rock-bottom accessories you buy, you will wind up wanting something better very quickly. Not so with this mic; it will last you until you start wanting something in the $5k+ range.
Manufacturer Support:
Never needed support
Overall:
Like somebody else said, if it were stolen I would buy another one. I have no plans to buy another mic of this type for vocals or acoustic instrument recording.

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